Roswinkel – A Cultivation Village with a History

Roswinkel is a medieval cultivation village on a sandy ridge in Westerwolde, surrounded by the Bourtangermoeras. Its settlement pattern and the history of its buildings and landscape give the place a distinct character. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these specific features can help you consider Roswinkel as a destination.

Village Structure and Landscape

Roswinkel is a linear village, with development arranged mainly in a ribbon pattern. This description of the settlement form is as much a part of the village’s character as its location on the sandy ridge. The area around Roswinkel consists entirely of agricultural land created through peat reclamation. The landscape can therefore be understood not only through its location but also through its history: peat reclamation and present-day agricultural use are part of the same description of the area.

Roswinkel was first mentioned in a document in 1327; the name appears there in the form “Roeswinkel.” This date accompanies its identification as a medieval cultivation village and provides an early written reference point in the history of the place. Later developments are also recorded in various locations and buildings.

Traces of Development

The Roswinkelerstraat between Nieuw-Weerdinge and Emmer-Compascuum was not paved until 1905. The Roswinkelerkanaal was dug in 1933; a modest expansion of the village took place along the canal after the Second World War. The road paving, canal construction, and village expansion thus belong to different periods in the more recent history of the area.

The Runde also has its own history: it was restored as a watercourse in the early years of the 21st century. The details about the road, canal, village expansion, and watercourse represent different historical milestones; they should not be conflated into a single construction project.

Buildings and Religious Heritage

The church is outside the current main axis of development because the settlement shifted westward. The tower of the Protestant church was added in 1852–1853. It houses a bell dating from 1362. The dates illustrate the difference in age between the tower and the considerably older bell.

Another building with distinctive architecture is the Schanshoeve at Roswinkelerstraat 103. It was built around 1930; its strikingly large, villa-like front building is designed in sober Expressionist forms. At the Stad 22 farm, the residential section dates from 1642 and served as the Schultehuis. This description refers to the residential section, not the entire farm.

The religious heritage also includes a Jewish cemetery on Roswinkelstraatweg. It was in use until 1886 and was restored in 1998 by Stichting Landschapsbeheer Drenthe. The dates distinguish its former use from its later restoration.

Exploring Roswinkel

The Knapzakroute Roswinkel starts at Theaterboerderij De Noorderbak, Roswinkelerstraat 81, 7895 AN Roswinkel. This provides a specific starting point for finding your way around the area. Check local conditions before you set out, as recommended for the route.

Whether you are particularly interested in the village structure, the development of the landscape, or individual buildings, you can discover Roswinkel through several distinct aspects, each with its own place in time. The historical dates range from the first written mention in 1327 through buildings and infrastructure to the restoration of the Runde in the early years of the 21st century. When planning a stay, you can decide which of these stories about the area you would like to focus on.

Discover more destinations: Schoonebeek, Erica, Weiteveen, Zwartemeer, Emmen, Emmer-Compascuum, Nieuw-Amsterdam

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